Tips for Reducing Mold

While you can't entirely escape mold spores, take these steps to decrease the amount of mold in your home and office.

In the Yard

Avoid outdoor places where mold is likely to be in high concentration. These include shady areas, compost piles, kennels, and piles of leaves, grass, or straw.

Promptly repair and seal leaky pipes and roofs.

Have the yard mowed and raked regularly. If possible, have someone else do it.

Keep rain gutters clean. Clear leaves and debris from drainage areas around your home and yard.

Store firewood away from the house.

House Cleaning

Cleaning your house regularly and properly can help reduce mold.

Dust-proof your environment. Since mold spores can become part of house dust, follow the strategies outlined in Dust-Proofing Your Environment.

Clean with a commercial antimold product. Choose a product containing a mixture of bleach and detergent or make your own antimold cleaner. Mix 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach and 1 quart of water.

Clean carefully, especially in areas where mold is likely to grow, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Empty refrigerator drip pans and thoroughly clean them with a commercial antimold product.

Keep garbage cans and trash compactors clean and free of mildew.

Store things carefully. Don't store newspaper, clothes, and other items in damp areas because they can become moldy. Store only completely clean and dry clothing and shoes. Even small amounts of grime can stimulate mold growth.

Use a fan in the bathroom to remove damp air. If you don't have a fan, open a window and consider having a fan installed. In bathrooms without windows, open a door when you're finished, and consider using a dehumidifier.

Use a dehumidifier to dry out a damp basement, but be sure to empty the water from it and clean it regularly. Water left in dehumidifiers allows mold to grow.

Don't use humidifiers or vaporizers. Putting extra moisture into the air encourages mold growth. If you choose to use these appliances, follow the manufacturer's instructions about regular cleaning. Even special humidifiers designed to lessen mold growth require regular and thorough cleaning.

Ventilate closed rooms by opening doors and installing fans.

Sleeping, Decorating, and Lighting

Avoid sleeping in areas of the house that are below ground level.

Don't put carpeting directly on concrete or damp floors. The carpet may become moldy.

When painting damp areas, choose mold-inhibiting paints. They can be found at most paint stores.

Have someone remove all carpets and wallpaper with visible mold or mildew.

Don't overwater plants. A few household plants probably will not cause problems if you're mold-sensitive. But standing water promotes mold growth.